Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

dido4 · Joined: 23 Dec 2005 Posts: 277

I don't know how to tell the differences between these two.

What about.....?

How about......?

Thank you

Meadowlark · Joined: 19 Feb 2006 Posts: 73

Hello dido4,

According to http://dictionary.reference.com The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms gives the following definitions:

what about means:

1. Would you like, as in What about another beer? or What about a game of bridge?
2. What do you think of, as in So what about renting that white house on the corner?
3. Why, concerning what, as in I need your frank opinion.What about?

~*~*~*~

how about means:

What is your thought, feeling, or desire concerning, as in How about a cup of tea?, How about joining us for lunch?, or How about that storm last night?

It is also put as how about it, as in How about it? Do you want to come along?

~*~*~*~

I think it is safe to say there is no significant difference between them.

Does this help?